Peugeot 206 (1998-2012): known problems and buying guide

Cheap to buy, but the AL4 automatic and the CC roof can cost more than the car. Buy a petrol manual with a belt record.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
CC 110, 109 PS, 5-speed manual, convertible	€413	€1,600	326	Petrol	NFU	Manual (5)	2003–2007
75, 75 PS, 5-speed manual	€403	€1,500	145	Petrol	KFW	Manual (5)	2003–2009
CC 135, 136 PS, 5-speed manual, convertible	€464	€1,390	50	Petrol	RFN	Manual (5)	2003–2007

Years: 1998 to 2012, in three generations. Hatchback, SW estate and CC. The facelift came in 2003, the 206+ in 2009.
Reliability: 2/5. The AL4 automatic, the CC roof, the diesel turbo and the electrics are the weak points.
DIY: 2/5. Roof, gearbox and turbo jobs need a workshop. Belts and brakes are manageable at home.
Prefer: a petrol five-speed manual with a timing belt record and, on the CC, a dry roof that cycles cleanly.
Avoid: the AL4 automatic, a CC roof that stalls or leaks, and a car with no timing belt record.

1.1, 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol (HFX, KFW, KFU, KFT, NFU, NFZ, RFN, RFK): coil packs fail and the timing belt needs a record.
1.4 and 1.6 HDi (8HZ, 9HZ) and 2.0 HDi (RHY): the turbo is the main risk. Short oil changes help.
Five-speed manual: can whine, grind and jump out of gear with wear. See Manual gearbox whines, grinds or jumps out of gear.
AL4 four-speed automatic (1.4 and 1.6 petrol): the weakest part of the car. See AL4 automatic gearbox fails.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
AL4 automatic gearbox fails	AL4 automatic with the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol (KFW, NFU)	Before 100,000 km (Auto.ru)	No confirmed price
On the CC: roof mechanism and leaks	206 CC, leaks worst on early cars	Not stated	About 1,000 EUR for the roof console (AUTO BILD, 2005); 500 EUR for the locking cable (one owner on autoplenum, 2013)
Diesel turbo fails	1.4 and 1.6 HDi, 2.0 HDi (8HZ, 9HZ, RHY)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Manual gearbox whines, grinds or jumps out of gear	Five-speed manual	Not stated	No confirmed price
Electronics faults and immobilizer no-start	All years, worst on 1999-2002 cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Front suspension bushes and drop links wear	Front axle, worst up to 2002	From 20,000 km on early cars (AUTO BILD); 70,000-90,000 km (Auto.ru)	About 50 EUR per side for the anti-roll bar (auto motor und sport, year not stated)

Drive the automatic from cold through all gears, and ask for fluid change records. Bad result: a "Gearbox faulty" message, limp mode or a flashing D3. A scanner can read the AL4 codes.
Ask for proof that the timing belt and water pump were changed. Bad result: no record, or a belt older than four years. No scanner needed.
On the CC, open and close the roof several times, watch the boot lock and take the car through a car wash. Bad result: a slow cycle, a roof alarm, or water inside. A scanner can read roof codes.
Check the turbo for shaft play with the inlet hose off, and listen for a whine. Bad result: shaft play, a whine under load, or no oil change record. A scanner can read boost codes.
Listen for a whine at low speed and check that every gear engages. Bad result: a loud whine, a grind, or a gear that jumps out. No scanner needed.
Test the windows, remote locking, radio and every warning lamp, and try both keys. Bad result: a lamp that stays on, a key that will not start the car, or a dead remote. A scanner can read the body computer.
Push down on each corner and rock the front wheels for play. Bad result: clunks, play in a ball joint, or uneven front tyre wear. No scanner needed.
Ask a dealer to check open campaigns by VIN. Bad result: an open campaign on the car. No scanner needed.

Operational	€201
Workshop	€104
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€95
Total per month	€400
New-car depreciation (not included)	€33

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.